By Nick Gale, WLS-AM News
(CHICAGO) A statewide advertising push began this week to reunite Illinois residents with approximately $2.8 billion in unclaimed property.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs drew attention to the advertising blitz to reassure residents that the unclaimed property effort is legitimate. The treasurer’s office never charges money to search and return unclaimed property.
“This money does not belong to the State of Illinois. It belongs to Illinois residents, businesses and local governments and we want to make every effort to return it,” Frerichs said. “With the state’s current fiscal challenges, getting this money out to the community is more important than ever.”
Since January 2015, the Illinois Treasurer’s office has paid out more than $250 million to the public.
Because thousands of items are surrendered each year, residents should check every six months. Visit the Illinois Treasurer’s website for more information. .
@ 2017 WLS-AM News
